​​WASHINGTON D.C (Oct. 10, 2017) – Women from across the nation attended ICNA Sisters’ first ever American Muslim Women’s Conference Saturday in Chantilly, Virginia to talk about “Changing the Narrative” of Muslim women in the United States.

​The approximately 400 invited guests included female leaders not only from within ICNA’s own divisions, but also from several other prominent U.S. organizations, distinguished professors, civil rights organizers, doctors and Islamic scholars.

​During the welcome address, ICNA Sisters president Sadia Salman said, “The women here represent the diverse Muslim women that make up our society. Which is why with the current situation of our nation, the world and our Ummah, it is more important than ever before for us to stand united as one.”​​She added that despite the various organizations and platforms the women at the conference were a part of, it was their “duty to stand up and work together” against the challenges in society.

​​​The conference aimed to unite women leaders from across the nation to hear about, discuss and highlight possible solutions to several pressing issues facing the American Muslim woman, according to Faizah Aslam, secretary general of ICNA Sisters.​

The morning portion of the event began with speakers, Dr. Zainab Alwani, Aisha al-Adawiya, Farhana Matin and Shaikha Anse Tamara Gray discussing topics ranging from how the Muslim woman is defined in today’s society, the journey of American Muslim women in the U.S., to how American Muslim women are not only the backbone of the household but are also the rising leaders in society and finally, how American Muslim women can unveil the power they have and use it to contribute to a successful society.

​Following lunch, the audience had the chance to attend two parallel panel sessions, “Oppression: What, Where, & When” with Alwani, Salma Abugideiri, Nahela Morales and Zahra Billoo and “Through the Filters: Myth vs Reality” with Alia Salem, Hena Zuberi, Marya Bangee and Rowaida AbdelAziz. The first highlighted and answered questions of how Muslim women are oppressed in the U.S. and what are the different forms of oppression, while the other handled questions of the portrayal of Muslim women in media and what can be done to change the perception of women in film and news media.

The last main hall session focused on areas where American Muslim women are already contributing and building a counter narrative to the one seen most frequently in media. The panel was led by Jane Aslam, Malika MacDonald, Suzy Ismail and Dr. Mahjabeen Hassan.

The conference ended which opinions and feedback collected during the sessions which were read was a way to share with the audience what are possible initiatives and solutions to some of the issues discussed during the event, Aslam said.

“It was more successful than I anticipated,” Abeer Sher, ICNA Sisters vice-president said. “The reason being I didn’t expect to gather that many Muslim women leadership from across the United States under one roof, but Alhamdullilah it happened. My heart is so warm from hearing during the sessions just how ready the Muslim women were to unite on every level.”​Aslam added she hopes this conference will be a step forward in building relationships with other organizations and coming on together on one platform. “We the Muslim women in America can define Muslims through these meetings, that yes we are one single voice and we are the one that can bring that change insha’Allah,” Aslam said.

We, as Muslim American women, live in different times today; these are not the blissful days of the eighties that my mother often mentions, in which she and my aunt attended a public high school in full hijab and jilbab without facing any prejudice or malice. These are not the days of my own care-free youth in the 90s, back before a magnifying glass was held to our communities to see if we really are the upstanding, dedicated citizens we claim to be.

We live in an age now, where politicians openly play hockey with our faith, defaming it to rise to power. We live in an age now, where Islam stands perpetually on trial in the media, as negative commentary infiltrates the hearts of average citizens. We live in an age now, where Muslims, and especially Muslim women, who are visibly representative of Islam, may face the brunt of bigotry and Islamophobia.

Yet there is hope, and there are those who stand with us and for us; we, as Muslim American women are immensely grateful for these souls for their love, support, and commitment to justice. As we work together towards a future of tolerance and peace in our country, we must simultaneously equip ourselves with the knowledge to keep ourselves and those around us safe, so that we too can stand for justice for the marginalized both within our own community and those outside of it. Recent events such as the passing of Sr. Hassaneen, the attack on three men in Portland who were defending two Muslim women, and others, have made it necessary for us to educate our ourselves on bystander intervention when witnessing a hate crime.

Nabra Hassaneen’s Tragic Passing

“Did you hear what happened in Virginia?” asked my sister in law as we sat at the ICNA donation table during Ramadan at our local masjid, which is a large bustling community center with nearly 6,000 attendees. “No?” I answered in confusion. As we conversed, the masjid board was making a special announcement before taraweeh would begin, urging parents and guardians to keep a close eye on their children, especially those that were milling around outside during salah time. It would have been any other announcement, but there was an urgent tone to the speaker’s voice, an earnest plea. “Something happened with some youth at a masjid in Virginia. I don’t know the full details myself,” my sister in law said, shaking her head slightly. I had often commented to my husband that I felt uneasy about the youth that were outside the masjid, playing basketball or walking in groups with friends, rather than praying inside. He reminded me that it was better that they were here, close to the prayer hall under security, rather than somewhere further away, involved in trouble.

The conversation with my sister in law and alarming masjid announcement slipped to the back of my mind, until later on at home, when a quick glance on social media bombarded me with a plethora of images and information. Pictures of Nabra Hassaneen flooded my newsfeed: a 17-year old Muslimah with a beautiful smile, hijab, and black rimmed hipster glasses. The details trickled in, and I soon found that Nabra had been brutally assaulted and killed after praying taraweeh at the ADAMS center masjid, while out with friends to grab a bite to eat for suhoor. She looked like she could be one of my friends, friends who I had taken IHOP suhoor trips with as well. She resembled the quirky sweet girls who were a part of my local youth group. She reminded me of a younger, exuberant version of me. I remember sitting paralyzed at the computer the following days, as accounts from her afflicted father, friends, and community members rolled in. Undeniably, the incident sent ripples of grief and shock reverberating throughout our collective Muslim American family. May Allah SWT shower her with His mercy, make her grave spacious and filled with light, and enter her into Jannatul Firdaus, ameen.

Perhaps one of the most touching tributes to Nabra that I watched, was one by Sheikh Omar Suleiman, and another by a woman who had been a mentor to the youth in the ADAMS center area. It was the mentor’s words of comfort for Nabra’s friends that struck a chord in particular; she reminded the youth who were with Nabra that dreadful night that what happened was not their fault and to not be drowned in remorse. The youth had run back to the masjid to inform the leaders there, and contact the police, but Nabra had been left behind to face the attacker. Ultimately, Allah SWT is the Most Great and greater than everything; His rahma is greater, His plan is greater, His knowledge is greater. The truth is, we do not know what any of us would have done in such a situation. It’s easy to sit miles away in distance and time and claim that if we were faced with a hate crime we would do this or that, but the reality is that the sheer terror of such a position can lead to circumstances we never thought possible. Nabra’s case reminded me of another recent tragedy, in which two young Muslim women were protected from their attacker, but with fatal consequences for those that intervened.

Portland: Remembering Taliesin Namkai-Meche & Ricky Best

“Tell everybody on this train that I love them,” whispered Taliesin Namkai before he died, after defending two Muslim girls from attacker and right wing extremist, Jeremy Joseph Christian. Amidst all the anti-Islam rhetoric and bigotry against Muslims these days, there are still those who manage to search for the truth, practice what they preach, and stand for justice. This is how I view Taliesin Namkai, a 23-year old college graduate, and Ricky Best, father of four, who died this summer on the MAX train in Portland, Oregon after being stabbed by Jeremy Christian.News reports indicate that Christian was spewing hate speech at the Muslim women (one who was wearing a hijab) on the train; his demeanor was menacing as he threatened the girls. Namkai-Meche, Best, and Micah Fletcher (who was also stabbed but recovered from his injuries), all heroically tried to direct the attacker away from the frightened women. This sort of intervention was astoundingly brave and selfless, and we are all left humbled by their sacrifice, keeping in mind ayah 32 in Surah Al-Ma’idah that states, “And whoever saves one - it is as if he had saved mankind entirely.”

I have often found myself reflecting about this tragic incident and Sr. Hasaneen’s passing, my thoughts a mixture of remorse and trepidation. What is the best way to respond if (May Allah protect us all) we happen to find ourselves in a similar situation, witnessing a hate crime unfold? Is it better to run to contact authorities first, as Nabra’s friends had done, or should we step in ourselves, as Namkai-Meche and Ricy Best did? What if, when witnessing a hate crime, we don’t do enough and regret it later, or perhaps take action, but endanger ourselves and our loved ones as well?

Bystander Intervention Training for Hate Crimes

Neither I or Noor Magazine are experts or professionals when it comes the best course of action to take when witnessing a hate crime or being attacked oneself. This is why I highly encourage you to reach out to your local masjid, community center, CAIR branch, etc, to offer professional defense classes and non-violent bystander-intervention training for both sisters and brothers. My masjid recently held a “Bystander Intervention Training” workshop, along with CAIR, the Council of American Islamic Relations, on what to do when witnessing a hate crime. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend, but there is another “De-Escalation and Self-Defense Training workshop” coming up soon that I would love to sign up for. Although we hope to never be placed in such a dreadful situation, the stark reality is that Muslims, and visibly Muslim sisters in particular, in today’s climate, must err on the side of caution.

In regards to practical tips that one may use when it comes to such situations, please find some points below; sadly, many of these instructions were compiled by various sources with the spike in hate crimes after the most recent U.S. presidential election and approval of Brexit.​From the “Huffington Post”

The picture to my left, an illustration by a 22-year old artist named Marie Yener, depicts four simple ways to create a ‘safe space’ for someone being harassed:

Engage in Conversation with the Victim

Pick a Random Subject & Start Discussing It

Keep Building the Safe Space (Don’t Acknowledge the Attacker)

Continue the Conversation until the Attacker Leaves (Escort the individual to a safe space if necessary)

From UC BerkleyOne of the nation’s top college systems, the University of California’s Berkley campus, has issued useful tips to students:

Make Sure You are Safe

Get Medical Attention if necessary

Preserve Evidence

Take Care of Yourself

Report the Incident

Consider Contacting a Counselor

Do Not Blame Yourself

From “The Guardian”

‘The Guardian,’ another prominent news agency, recently published some practical guidelines on what do when witnessing a racial attack as well:

1. Take it seriously2. Say something3. Be safe4. Report the abuse to the police5. Film it

I pray that no one who reads this article is placed in or has to witness such a horrendous hate crime, but the need for us to equip ourselves with the knowledge and tools on how to act in such a situation can save lives. Together we can make a difference. We can sign up for self-defense and non-violent intervention training classes, raise awareness, and be a beacon of support for fellow Muslim sisters, as well as other marginalized groups, such as refugees or immigrants. We can work towards a more tolerant, peaceful, and loving world, where hatred and bigotry have no room to take root. We are compelled to do so by the radiant smile of Nabra Hassaneen, and the honorable sacrifices of Taliesin Namkai and Ricky Best

Resources:Huffington Post. Web Article. Artist Illustrates What To Do If You Witness Hate Speech Or Harassment.

UC Berkley. Web Article. What if I become the target of, or witness, a hate crime or hate-motivated act?

The Guardian. Web Article. How do I respond when I see racial abuse in public?​ere to edit.

Alhamdulillah, by the grace and mercy of Allah subhan wa ta'ala we are blessed with another beautiful Eid to enjoy and share with our loved ones. This day is a blessing in multiple ways. It is a gift for those who spent their days in abstaining from worldly desires and nights in worship and prayer to seek the pleasure of Allah subhan wa ta'ala. It is a day that creates beautiful memories and reunions with friends and family. It is a day spent in declaring the Greatness of our Almighty Lord and praising Him.

The day of Eid is also a day of reflection and this is closely tied to the blessings brought forth by this day. For those of us who failed to take advantage of this beautiful and unique opportunity of gaining Allah's forgiveness and pleasure, this day should be filled with sincere concern over our loss. We were handed a platter full of good deeds and we chose to abandon it. We should reflect over this grave loss and strive to prepare ourselves for the next entire year to reap the fruits of next Ramadan while begging the most Merciful to grace us with many more such opportunities.

When we celebrate this day with our loved ones, we should also reflect upon the plight of those brothers and sisters who don't have anyone to share their laughter and hugs with on Eid. There could be a brother who lost his entire family while escaping from a war torn land. There might be a sister who was banished from her house upon embracing Islam. We should especially make an effort to make this day a source of happiness and gratitude for such brothers and sisters.

The Takbeeraat of Eid should also compel us to reflect upon whether our hearts have truly surrendered to our Creator's greatness or is it just the Ramadan hype that got us in the zone. As we recite the Takbeeraat, we should make a solemn pledge to continue with our efforts of seeking Allah's pleasure throughout the year as we did in this month. His Greatness is not limited to this month alone and neither is His Mercy and Compassion. The empty prayer halls in masajids after Ramadan and the Mushafs locked away in cabinets after this month of Quran passes, will bear witness against us on the Day of Judgment. They will speak of our negligence in accepting the Greatness of our Lord. Lets make a sincere promise that we will call each other towards Allah's pleasure throughout the year just as we sent reminders about Tilawah and Ibadah during Ramadan.

May Allah subhan wa ta'ala adorn our lives with many more Ramadans and increase us all in faith, knowledge, and action, Aameen.

Midday, in the middle of the street, an officer shoots an unarmed young man. Twelve shots. The officer was not indicted and a segment of the community felt a blow of betrayal and a slap of injustice. This incident did not happen at the checkpoint in Palestine and it did not happen in Afghanistan by the Taliban. It happened on American soil to an American individual. What makes this story almost unbelievable is the fact that America has always claimed to be the land of the free and home of the brave. This motto is sung in the national anthem and in the pledge, where we pledge allegiance to a nation that supports liberty and justice for all. However, the America we live in today falls short of that ideal. Within the last half century, America has dealt with civil rights issues in the African American community, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community, and now in the Muslim community. However, the tragedy is that Muslims will be found in every Palestinian rally and every Syrian rally, but only a sprinkle of Muslims will be found in domestic rallies about domestic issues. The Muslim body is one, and that is why one finds waves of Muslims in protests about foreign issues. However, the same Muslims that come out to protest against American support of Israel, are also citizens of the United States. However, they do not involve themselves in the issues plaguing their country, whether it be gun violence, terrorism, black lives matter, or even unjust local and national legislations. Yet, everyone knows a Muslim who says, “Man, how can Trump be President?! How could America allow this to happen?!” The reason why Muslims are put on the back shelf when it comes to legislation and even simple support of the people is because we seldom stir from our political Facebook statuses and reposts to the actual battleground.

Metal squeals. Tires screech. Glass shatters. And then the pain. Dear God, the pain. I can’t breathe, I can’t breathe, I CAN’T BREATHE! Sirens wail. Lights flash. People shout. But the only thing I can think of is the lava flowing through my veins, the cement flooding my lungs, the pure agony ripping my body apart.“It’s alright, son. It’s alright. Just breathe into this.”So many hands. So many shadows. So many people looming over me. Someone places a tube over my mouth and nose. I think it’s supposed to help me breathe. It doesn’t. “He’s not responding. Beginning CPR.”A mouth placed over mine. Air rushing into me. Hands thumping my chest. For a few seconds I think... I might actually survive this.And then I see him. And I know it’s over.X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-XMy name was Mustafa Khan. Born June 18th 1994, I was barely 5 years old when my father died of a heart problem. My mother did her best to raise us. Being a single mother with three boys, the oldest of whom was only 12 at the time? Not an easy job. But somehow, with the help of my uncle, she did it. When I first met Matt, my eldest brother, Sohail was, at age 24, about to graduate from law school, my other brother, Abdullah, at age 22, was in medical school…and then there was me. 17 years old. In the middle of my senior year in high school. The disappointment of the family. Maybe that’s a little too harsh. See, I wasn’t dumb, not even close, but I had nothing on my brothers. Sohail and Abdullah had both graduated at the top of their classes. Me? I had good grades and all but I was nowhere near as amazing as the two of them. My academic life would never match theirs. The teachers would see my light-brown untamable hair, hazel eyes, slightly crooked nose and think, there’s another one of those Khans. They would wait expectantly for my perfect test scores and stunning essays. Those grades didn’t come. And they would give me that disappointed look that said, “Seriously? A 92? Your brothers got nothing less than 98s.” And as I said earlier, my mom tried her best, she really did. But with two brothers like mine, I got shunned to the side a lot. And so I made some mistakes, got some wrong buddies and effectively managed to screw up my life. Now Matt. He was a good guy. As I tell you more about him, you probably won’t agree with me. But he really was a good guy. He just had some…issues. For one, he was an 18-year-old weed addict who occasionally drank. I can already see you going, "Why the heck were you friends with him?". It only gets worse. For another, he was a bully. There’s no other word for it. He made fun of little kids, reduced girls to tears and beat guys up. But senior year, he got better. Something in him changed. He was more focused on his education. The AP Bio teacher asked me to tutor him and we slowly grew from hating each other to, at the very least, becoming mutual acquaintances. Within a year, he was practically my best friend. Yeah, he was a jerk at first. But my mom had always taught me to give people a second chance. And so I did. The only problem was his smoking. The drinking wasn’t that big of a deal because he only did it a couple of times. But the weed. He was completely hooked. Sure. He was a legal adult, but as his friend, shouldn’t I have tried to help him? The only problem was…I didn’t. I let it go, thinking, you know, he’ll get over it. He didn’t. My family warned me about him. I just laughed. I still remember the conversation we had, word-to-word.X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X